Conservative counties in U.S. swing states put faith in Trump

Thursday, October 27, 2016 - 02:10

Residents in Surry County, North Carolina, are preparing to put their electoral support behind the Republican nominee, Donald Trump for president, even though the state, as a whole, narrowly favors Democrat, Hillary Clinton. Nathan Frandino went to the city of Mount Airy for this report.

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In historic downtown Mount Airy, it's clear who has the political upper hand ahead of the presidential election.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) RALPH SMITH, OWNER OF MAYBERRY PRIMITIVES, SAYING:
"I think he'll be good for the country, good for jobs."
Once a Democratic haven, Surry County in swing state North Carolina, is now a conservative bastion.
While some polls give Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton a slight lead in the state, residents here overwhemingly support Republican Donald Trump.
In nearby Elkin, at the stainless steel supplier Tampco, President Ken Nicks and his wife Patricia stand behind the GOP nominee.
They say Trump's promise to repeal the Affordable Care Act - otherwise known as Obamacare - is one of the main reasons.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) KEN NICKS, PRESIDENT OF TAMPCO, INC., SAYING:
"Because it's something that involves the common every day workforce, the blue collar people and the pricing has gotten so out of line that there's nothing we can do."
Ken and Patricia Nicks built the company over 40 years.
Patricia says during that time they've seen a moral decline in America...and a lack of mutual respect.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) PATRICIA NICKS, WIFE OF KEN NICKS OF TAMPCO, INC., SAYING:
"I think it's important that we get back to those core values that we've always had, that have served us well."
Republicanism is on the rise here, but county Democrats are still fighting, using door knocking and phone campaigns to bring out the vote.
Lara Nester, an administrative assistant, says she believes in the process, even if in an uphill battle.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) LARA NESTER, 49-YEAR-OLD ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT AND MOUNT AIRY RESIDENT, SAYING:
"I think it's important for us to be here in the county as a voice to encourage folks who do believe in the platform of the Democrats to get out there and vote."
A voice for Democrats in a county for Republicans.
Latest polls in North Carolina have Trump down 2 percentage points against Clinton...but in Mt Airy, they're doing all they can to buck the trend.

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